epilators

ranchelmarie · 06-21-2006, 08:47 AM

I'm thinking of buying an epilator, but don't want to waste money on a crappy one. if you use one, what kind? and would you recommend it? thanks!

flamenca · 06-23-2006, 01:34 PM

I have been using Epilady for years now, and yes, I am fairly happy with it. I hear they have a new model out now, which catches even more hair on one "swoop". I use it on my legs, under my arms and also in my face. Problem is though that it won't catch hair that is too short, which means short stubble won't be removed. On my face, I mainly use tweezers because of that.
I have noticed though that the hair that growns back on my legs becomes finer - in my case, it took aloooong time for me to notice that effect, but it's definitely there.

flamenca · 06-23-2006, 01:58 PM

I have been using Epilady for years now, and yes, I am fairly happy with it. I hear they have a new model out now, which catches even more hair on one "swoop". I use it on my legs, under my arms and also in my face. Problem is though that it won't catch hair that is too short, which means short stubble won't be removed. On my face, I mainly use tweezers because of that.
I have noticed though that the hair that growns back on my legs becomes finer - in my case, it took aloooong time for me to notice that effect, but it's definitely there.

tlz769 · 06-29-2006, 09:29 PM

may I ask exactly how it works?!?! (I'm always looking for quick easy & painfree methods to remove my leg hair). I absolutely luv shorts season, cept for shaving!!!

flamenca · 06-30-2006, 04:29 PM

The epilady is essentially a whole bunch of tweezers on an electrically driven roll if that makes sense. The tweezers open and close really fast, while the roll is spinning, thus moving the closing tweezers = pulling the hair out. It's not pain free, but it's a lot easier than waxing (no mess).
You can check out their products here: http://www.epilady.com/products.asp
Mine is old, but comparable to the "Legends" model.

tlz769 · 06-30-2006, 06:39 PM

I was comptemplating ordering one, since it's now shorts seasons. Does it work well for you? And does the hair grow back quickly? (I'm sorry, I'd just like to ask a few questions, before I buy one!!!)

flamenca · 07-03-2006, 10:07 AM

Tara,
don't worry about asking -that's why we are here, right? To ask and get answers....
So yes, it does work well for me. I mean, it's not like in the commercials "Epilate once before you go on vacation, and for 4 weeks you won't need to epilate again!". Yeah, right! The person who made that commercial surely never heard of a woman with PCOS, LOL!

But it does work. There are sensitive regions where it hurts more to epilate the hair (bikini zone, underarms, inner thighs... ouch!), but no worse that waxing I think. I maybe need to epilate my underarms and lower legs once a week or so, my thighs can go longer without (but I don't wear shorts, my thighs are too fat to make that a nice experience for me or anybody else, lol). The only thing I'd say (as I mentioned before) is, that I get red spots on my shins and calves where the hair is pulled out. It's kind of like you can see the hair shaft, but without the hair in it, do you know what I mean? But that could just be me, I have the same thing when I shave or wax. it doesn't happen under my arms though, I think it has to do with how taught the skin is or something.
What I like about the epilating is that the hair that grows back is pretty fine. Someone once explained to me that by shaving, you inevitably cut a hair off at an angle which makes the surface of the cut more visible. That's why you often hear people say that when you shave, hair growns back thicker. It's not, it just looks that way. Fact is though, that the hair keeps growing. When you epilate it, is actually has to "fight" its way through the skin which sort of wears the tip down and makes it finer, thus more difficult to see, and I can definitely say that I notice the difference.

Why not wax and epilate instead?
a) Money
b) Opportunity
c) Mess

Here in the Netherlands you won't find beauty parlors on every corner, like in the States, I mean of course they are there, but there are maybe two or three in the town I live in, and the treatments are a bit pricey, and you need to make appointments far ahead to get in. Given the opening hours, my work shcedule and the fact that I would have to go like once a week, I need a more feasible option. So I could wax myself - done that a few times, and find it messy, difficult (how to reach certain places and see what you're doing...), and painful with limited success. Also, in my face, I can't use wax, I get a severe reaction that takes weeks to heal.
That's why I opted for Epilady.

Wow, what a story - I hope it helps you a little? I mean, we are all different, and your reaction to epilady might be different from mine.
I bought my first device at Ulta3 in teh States, and they let me try it on a patch f hair on my arm - maybe you have that possibility too? Try and see how you like it and how your skin reacts before you buy it?

Good luck at any rate!
Tina

ranchelmarie · 07-03-2006, 09:36 PM

flemanca, you say you epilate once a week or so, how long do the hairs have to be to get grabbed? I know with waxing (at least the at-home kits), it has to be 1/4 inch, is it the same with epilating?

tlz769 · 07-04-2006, 01:46 AM

Wow...sounds nice. I almost bought one the other day, when I first read your post, but I thought maybe I should ask a few more questions first. But I'm thinking what have I got to lose? I've tried numerous options in the past and see no reason to not try this one. I think I'll go ahead and order one.

Thanks for the help & I'll hafta let you know how it goes!!!
tara

flamenca · 07-04-2006, 11:50 AM

Rachel,
the hairs don't need to be that long for Epilady - I am not good at calculating in inches, I am more usedto the metric system ... My device grabs hair that's about 2 mm long. And an inch is about 25 mm, so it would be appr. a tenth of an inch?

Tara,
yeah, definitely let me know what you think!

kets · 07-04-2006, 12:56 PM

I use the BRAUN epilator for my legs and hands.

http://www.shavercentre.com/braun_2170.html

I use the older version than shown in that website. I am pretty satisfied with it. Well the first time I used it, it hurt but its definitely more convenient than waxing. I have been using it for 6 years...and now I don't feel a thing!!

februarystar · 07-05-2006, 01:26 PM

My epilator is a blessing!!!

I do my legs once a week or so, it hurt like hell and took a few hours the first time but I'm glad I persisted, the hair is so much thinner now and I actually feel normal!
I am slowly working on my underarms. The hair is of course much thicker there and I was bleeding after the first time I epilated! But now I am down to once or twice a week and actually feel comfortable wearing singlet tops etc because I dont feel I have to hide my armpits anymore. I also have less of that dark tinge where the hair is sitting under the skin and it is so dark it makes the skin colour look odd.
I bought my second hand and it is fairly old but still does the job. I'd recommend any of the Braun range because that is what I've had most experience with.

Good luck with your epilating!!!

jealusie · 07-05-2006, 01:43 PM

great stories...

*bump*

I want to hear more

flamenca · 07-05-2006, 04:21 PM

Yep, I had the Braun Silk-epil as well - works fine, no problems. And I so agree about the underam thing ... it hurts, but oh boy, what a feeling when the hair is gone, the skin is smooth and you don't see any "shadow"! Needless to say, as a dancer that is pretty crucial.

tlz769 · 07-05-2006, 04:54 PM

Well, I just ordered one!!! I'll let you ladies know how I like it ASAP!!! THanks for the info!!!